The Cherrywood Estates Senior Health Fair, located at 6253 S.W. 100th Loop, will be the site of an exciting and informative opportunity to meet with local professionals that cater specifically to the needs of seniors.
The Senior Health Fair is free to the public.
This year’s Health Fair has a great line-up of guest speakers with health topics like: “How to eat Healthier” at 10 a.m., “Healthy Aging of your Muscles & Joints” at 11 a.m., “Cancer Prevention, Nutrition and Exercise” at noon, and “What are you Drinking?” at 1 p.m. There is limited seating in these seminars so you will need to make your reservations early.
Gold Sponsors for the Health Fair are: db Hearing Solutions, Ecowater Central Florida, Geril Therapy, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Home Instead Senior Care, Integrity Home Health Care, Lifestyle Solutions Medical Spa, Robert Boissoneault Oncology Inst., The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa, Thermo-Cool Air and Heat, and Unique Lingerie.
Silver Sponsors participating in the health fair are: ADT – Home Health, Hospice of Marion County and Premier Medical Center.
Vendors participating in the health fair are: Arbonne International, Florida Center for the Blind, Grace Unlimited, Inc. – Bio Mat, and Bath Fitters, Inc.
The Activities Team will be providing coffee and Danish in the morning and serving a light lunch of Tuna or Chicken Salad sandwiches and chips for a nominal charge. Call Geri at 352-237-1675 for more information.

Veterans Club wowed by speaker
Steve Jacobs and his assistant, Amy Cutchen, of the Marion County Veterans Service Office was the dynamic guest speaker at the monthly Veterans Club meeting on April 5. His presentation was enthusiastic and filled with worthwhile information. He advised the veterans and their families that any person or group that claims to be able to get something from the Veterans Administration and wants money for doing so is probably a scam.
“Our organization is totally free and we can assist you with all the information you might need. Anyone who asks for money and says they’ll get you something from the VA is probably scamming you.” Steve said.
Jacobs further advised the veterans of their education benefits; the VA Mortgage plans and everything in between. Steve patiently answered several questions from the floor as Amy passed out folders containing a list of the many benefits provided by the VA.
In short Amy and Steve held the attention of all present, disseminating crucial information of concern to all veterans and their families. Bill Mahar presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Steve and Amy at the conclusion of their presentation.
Also on the agenda was the election of officers for the coming year. Officers for 2013 are; Bill Mahar, president; John Everlove, vice president; Richard Hurley, treasurer; Ruth Hurley, secretary and Sergeant at Arms/Trustee, Marty Duesel.
Many exciting and challenging missions await the Veterans Club in the coming year and the officers will need all of the support and help that you can give them to help accomplish these goals.
All veterans, their relatives and/or dependents are welcome to join for a nominal one time fee of $5. Membership is well worth the time and money; so come out and be a part of the Cherrywood Veterans Club as we “Continue to Serve.”

Comedy Night and dance
On May 18, Cherrywood will host professional Comedian and Magician Mark Alan. Mark is a favorite on the Comedy Club circuit here in Florida and has delighted audiences throughout the area. His show begins at 6 p.m.
Immediately after Mark’s performance out own Ricky B will fire up the music for a dance party. Tickets are only $1 to watch this class act and enjoy the dancing plus your ticket lets you in on the 50/50 drawing. See Geri for tickets and watch your Citizen for more about Mark Alan.

Huge yard sale April 21
Cherrywood Estates will hold its annual yard sale on Saturday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to come and cruise through our neighborhood, stopping at the many houses that will be selling various items from tools to sporting goods; household goods to clothing; jewelry to shoes and everything in between.
Residents don’t forget, put your sale items out on Saturday, April 21 before 8 a.m. to maximize exposure. It might mean an early morning but it will be well worth the effort.

Memorial Day picnic
On Wednesday, May 30, the Veterans Club will host will host the Memorial Day holiday celebration. At noon, there will be a short program where the fallen heroes of this nation’s Armed Services will be honored. Morrey Dean, Major; U.S. Army (ret) will be the guest speaker and of course, our own Color Guard will be on hand to present honors.
Immediately following the program will be the Memorial Day picnic. Hot dogs, hamburgers; potato salad and home made beans; coffee and lemonade are all included in the $7 ticket price. Of course everyone is welcome to bring their own beverages of choice. Proceeds from the ticket sales go toward the Veterans Club Charities. Then, at 2 p.m., the drawing for the cruise raffle will be held and a lucky couple will find out if they are going to the Bahamas.
CERT meeting
Our Emergency Response Team will be meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday the 18th of April. Come out and learn what you can do to prepare for the up coming hurricane season and how you can be of help to your community.
Several opportunities exist for first aid training, CPR and other educational information that can make you, your family and your neighbors safer.

Democratic Club
Cherrywood Democratic Club open meeting, Friday, May 18, all registered voters are welcome at 2 p.m. in the Clubhouse card room. Refreshments will be served.
This month we welcome Dr. Diana Stafford Greene, who is a candidate for the position of superintendent of schools. The current Superintendent is Jim Yancey who is not seeking re-election after nearly a decade at the “helm.”
Dr. Greene will be pleased to answer any questions you may have; so please take advantage of this opportunity.
We ask that you remember our young people serving our country and if you are able to make a donation towards their needs you may do so through our secretary to active service personnel in Afghanistan your donation will be gratefully appreciated.
Voter registration cards are available, so if you know of anyone that is not registered or wishes to change party affiliation, we are able to make the changes.
The Cherrywood Democratic Club meets on the third Friday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Clubhouse card room.
Harriet Scarpino, president. Ken Beech V.P. 352-861-8315.
Article by Ken Beech
Off to the Races
Nancy Archer did it again guiding a full busload of people to Tampa Bay Downs for a day at the races. Smiles were abundant as people anticipated an exciting day at the track and perhaps winning a small fortune. While no one won the small fortune, there was the excitement of the races and the fellowship of good friends.
Luncheon featured two carvers at the Winners Circle restaurant where roast beef and turkey were served up, steaming hot and tender. Side dishes of potatoes, Mac & cheese, veggies and salads of all kinds and biscuits were all available.
The meal was topped off by a dessert tray of éclairs, pies and other assorted pastries. All of this was part of the admission ticket and it included a bus ride to and from the track.
Everyone had a good time and Nancy never has a problem selling these events out so if you would like more information about trips from Cherrywood, contact Nancy Archer at 352-861-1432.

Thanks to Crochet and Knitters Club
Scott Hackmyer recently visited the Cherrywood Crochet and Knitters Club to personally thank the members for donating many beautiful hand crafted items to the Devereux Kids. Even though he has retired as the manager of West Ocala Neighborhood Family Center, he continues his volunteer work at the center. He also volunteers for domestic abuse programs and The Woman’s Pregnancy Center.
Purple is the color representing domestic abuse awareness and pictured here is Susanne Beech who donated her lovingly created purple teddy bear to be used as the mascot for the domestic abuse cause.
All of the members spend countless hours making hand made yarn projects such as baby hats, sweaters, booties and toys for children. They also make hats, lap blankets, shawls, sweaters and Afghans for the adults.
Donated yarns and other materials are lovingly crafted into these items. Recently some large bags of yarn and patterns were dropped off at the Clubhouse and we thank the donor from the bottom of our hearts.
If you would like to join our group or just observe works in progress, please stop by on any Friday afternoon between 1 and 3 p.m. Donated yarns, needles; hooks; and patterns may be left any time at the Clubhouse office.
Article information and photo by Edna Fazio

Garden Club meeting
April 16th at 11 a.m., our Garden Club will be meeting to discuss some important issues. Members will select a new chairperson to head up the club for the coming year.
This is an important position requiring imagination, creativity and a green thumb.
Another issue is the community garden contest that will be coming up. Criteria, categories and prizes all have to be discussed and firmed up before the judges can go to work.
Everyone who has any interest at all in horticulture; beautiful plants; style and the gorgeous flowers that bloom in Florida is urged to attend this important meeting. You will gain knowledge and ideas plus share some fun time with people who have a like interest. Who knows, if your interest is trees, you might even become a “branch manager.”

Bocce Ball has new time
Please make a note that the new starting time for Bocce Ball is 8 p.m. on Saturdays. The Bocce Courts are located behind the Clubhouse and it is a great social event every Saturday when old and new friends get together to play or watch this ancient game. Bring your own refreshments and beverages, socialize with your neighbors and friends and enjoy a relaxing evening.

AARP Offers Classes
The AARP Safe Driver classes are scheduled for the 24th and 26th of April. The classes run from 9 a.m. to noon on both days. Once you’ve attended the class, you receive a Certificate that lowers your insurance rates when you present it to your carrier. These worthwhile seminars will definitely save you money but more importantly, they may save your life or the life of some one else. We want all of our residents to be safe so don’t miss a chance to improve your skills.

Trivia Night
Another exciting night of Trivia is ready to go on Wednesday, April 18 starting at 7 p.m. Teams of three or four gather at the tables in the Clubhouse while Rich Hurley or Fred O’Hern put questions up on the big screen and participants scribble their best responses on answer sheets.
Of course everyone is eating the snacks that they have brought and sipping on their beverages in light hearted competition. Laughter and levity prevail as everyone tries to rack their brains for answers and to show off their knowledge.
You don’t have to be a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist to enjoy Trivia night, in fact there are very few questions regarding brain surgery or rocket science. Hop a Long Cassidy’s Horse’s name; now that’s something you might want to know.

Spotlight on Excellence
Every week we feature a resident of Cherrywood who is making a difference in our community; has an interesting past; a promising future or who is just a ‘plus’ to know and be around. This week’s Spotlight shines on Jay O’Hern.
Jay is the guy you will see behind the scenes at a great number of our dances, programs and other events. He never seeks any recognition or publicity but he is a driving force behind the energetic Social Committee which he serves as president. He may want to avoid the limelight, but he couldn’t avoid the “spotlight” this week.
The mild mannered Jay served in the U.S. Navy where he attended Nuclear Power School. Following his service he went to college and obtained a Masters Degree in Education from Georgia Southern University.
For the next three years he taught Chemistry and Physics at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia. Jay was teaching in the school’s high school college prep program. Graduates from that institution are commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants. He spoke fondly of the young people in his class. He complimented the student’s work ethic and intelligence.
After leaving his teaching position he joined with Entergy Nuclear Power Company and worked there for 28 years. He was the Supervisor of Training for the operation of nuclear power plants in three states; Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Nuclear power facilities are regulated by an industrial organization called the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. They set the standards and criteria for the safe and efficient operation of these complex facilities. Jay’s job was to supervise and teach those who trained the people who operate the plants.
Obtaining and maintaining Institute Accreditation for one facility is no easy task; attaining this goal for three major power plants is nearly impossible and Jay considers his accomplishment of this goal as one of his greatest achievements.
After leaving his home in Louisiana, Jay came to Florida. Just a little less than two years ago he moved into Cherrywood to be close to his brother Fred. Since moving in, he has been a leader in the social functions of the community, working hard to get residents active and involved.
Jay’s work with the Social Committee includes helping to plan and carry out such varied events as Dyngus Day; Fun in the Sun; the 100 Days of Summer; Kentucky Derby; Super Bowl Party; Comedy Night and several other functions. When considering that Jay is also a member of the Veterans Club and Gardening Club, it’s easy to understand why he sometimes thinks to himself, “I thought I was retired.”
In his limited spare time Jay is an avid reader, enjoys cooking and traveling, and especially cruises. He is hoping to win the Veterans Club Raffle for the Bahamas Cruise and recently went on the Tampa Bay Downs trip.
A sincere desire to give people an exciting, entertaining and fun experience; an equally sincere concern for the people of our community and a keen sense of humor make Jay an asset in every way to Cherrywood.
Next time you see Jay, though likely it will be in the background of the many events around Cherrywood, make it a point to go up and tell him thanks for his service to the Country and for his service to us. He deserves it.

From your Reporter
Your opinion is important to me so please feel free to contact me with any suggestions, ideas or comments for articles you would like to see in the Cherrywood section of the Citizen. Email urperssec@yahoo.com.